Fifth Spot in the Rotation

The fifth spot in the rotation will be the Rangers’ most competitive position battle of spring training, and the list of candidates has produced no clear front-runner yet.

There are three players to keep under close surveillance: Martin Perez, Justin Grimm and Robbie Ross.

Perez is possibly an early favorite. The 21-year-old has long been the team’s top pitching prospect. He made a cameo in the big leagues last season, finishing 1-4 with a 5.45 ERA.

Grimm will also make his case. After dominating in Double-A Frisco, the 24-year-old was called up last season and made two starts.

Ross is the most interesting candidate. He was a surprise inclusion to the roster in 2012 and pitched very well in his role as left-handed specialist (6-0 with a 2.22 ERA). However, the Rangers’ bullpen isn't what it was a year ago, so that’s probably where Ross best serves the team. This could change if he blows away the competition during spring training.

Texas also signed Kyle McClellan and Randy Wells, who are lower-profile players, but they could still make a run for the spot.

Eighth Inning

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The Rangers rarely had to worry about protecting leads after the seventh inning when they acquired Mike Adams at the 2011 deadline. The former Ranger was one of the most effective relievers in baseball in his eighth-inning role.

Joakim Soria figures to fill those shoes when he returns from Tommy John surgery. The ex-Kansas City Royal was lights out when healthy, but he still must prove is the same pitcher he was before that serious arm injury.

Another candidate is Josh Lindblom, whom the team acquired in the Michael Young trade. If he cuts down on the home runs, the 25-year-old has the stuff (70 strikeouts in 71 innings last year) to be an effective late inning reliever.

Don’t overlook Tanner Scheppers, either. The righty finally made his big league debut in 2012, and was up and down in 39 appearances. He has the ability to blow hitters away, but he needs to work on his opponents batting average (.343).

Utility/Bench

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Despite his down season last year, Michael Young was still a big asset—a veteran who could play all four infield positions on any given day. With his departure, the Rangers don't have that luxury anymore.

What they do have is Jurickson Profar and Mike Olt, who are more than capable of providing solid depth on the bench. Both can play multiple positions and fill the utility role as well.

The problem is that the front office seems uncomfortable with its top two prospects wasting away on the bench instead of receiving valuable at-bats. It's hard to blame it for that, but the front office will have to find room for these players sooner or later.

If Olt and Profar begin the season in the minors, the Rangers' other options include Brandon Snyder, Leury Garcia, Jeff Baker, Geovany Soto and Craig Gentry/Leonys Martin.

Opening Day Starter

Surprisingly enough, the Rangers do have one competition this spring that isn’t shrouded in doubt or uncertainty: Who will take the hill March 31 against Houston?

It’s a two-horse race between Yu Darvish and Matt Harrison, and it's a good problem to have because both deserve the nod.

Darvish started the wild-card game and finished the season with 221 strikeouts—a team record for a rookie. The expectations for him are very high this season.

Harrison emerged as Mr. Reliable for the Rangers last year, leading the team in wins, innings and ERA. While he’s not flashy, the 27-year-old is consistent and gets the job done. Ron Washington doesn't ask for much more than that.

Of all the questions on the Rangers' plate, picking the Opening Day starter must be a welcome relief.